The residents of Gondamara union in Chittagong’s Banshkhali upazila have decided to resume their protest against the coal-fired power plant project in their area after a 15-day hiatus.
The protesters, gathered under the banner of “Committee to Protect Homestead and Graveyard,” made the announcement during a press conference at Gondamara Rahmania Madrasa yesterday.
“We will hold a protest rally on April 26 on Hadipara Primary School premises in Gondamara to voice our demand to scrap the project,” said Liakat Ali, convener of the committee. “We will announce tougher movement if the project is not cancelled.”
Liakat also vowed to wage a movement against coal-based power plant with National Committee to Protect Oil, Gas, Mineral Resources, Power and Ports after May 15.
“Banshkhali residents are ready to resist the move to construct the power plant at any cost. The proposed power plant will deal a severe blow to our environment,” he added.
“We halted our protest on April 9 because Abdullah Kabir Liton, a local Awami League leader, assured us at a public meeting in Gondamara that he would some positive steps in this regard within 15 days,” Liakat said at the press conference.
“He assured us that a team of experts would visit the site of the proposed power plant within 15 days and make an assessment on possible impacts of the project on the environment. He also said all cases filed against the villagers would be withdrawn and the government would ensure punishment for those who were involved in the shooting. But none of his commitments have been met yet.”
Other members of the committee were also present at the press conference.
Four villagers were killed and dozens were shot when police allegedly opened fire on them during a protest rally against the coal-fired power plant in Gondamara on April 4.
